Banksy in Bristol: 3 Walking Tours (With Printable Maps!)

Did you know that world renowned street artist, Banksy, had some very humble beginnings? He (or she) was born in the very cool and quirky city of Bristol, England in the 1970s, and grew to be what is now possibly the most famous street artist in the world, with works now selling for obscene amounts of money.

Although his work can now be found in auctions, as well as out on the streets of places like London, Los Angeles and New York City, Bristol in the UK is home to a number of Banksy’s earlier works.

This blog aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to embark on a self-guided Banksy walking tour of either 1.5 miles, 3 miles or 5 miles, and includes custom street art tour maps (previews below):

Banksy Walking Tour – 1.5 Miles – Stokes Croft

This short 1.5 mile walk takes you through possibly one of the coolest areas of Bristol – Stokes Croft. It’ll take you about an hour depending on how long you hang out in pubs for. Here, you’ll find 4 Banksy murals as well as lots of other pieces by lesser known street artists. You’ll also finish in popular drinking hole, The Canteen, which is also home to a Banksy work of art.

You’ll find a street art tour map of all of the murals found on this 1.5 mile walk below, with photos and descriptions further on in this blog post:

1. Blowpop Records

This stencil mural was originally designed as album artwork, of which there are less than 100 surviving copies… and one street art version right here in Bristol. This stencil is now a little difficult to see, but if you look closely, you can just make it out!

Banksy Address Book:

Cave StBristol BS2 8RU

If you’re getting thirsty already, might I suggest you make a quick pit stop in Cosie’s? It’s a cute little bar in a cellar, which comes complete with caves outside and a very cosy feel inside.

2. Take The Money And Run

Banksy’s ‘Take The Money And Run’ is one of his earliest known works, and was created in collaboration with Inky and Mobz. Despite its early age, it’s in really good condition!

Banksy Address Book:

33 Bath BuildingsBristolBS6 5PT

3. Rose on a Mousetrap

Found on the side of someone’s home, more than 20 local residents are said to have put their money together to buy a frame for this particular mural, (to protect it from vandalism), making this one of the best preserved pieces in Bristol. I think it’s safe to say that everyone’s super proud that Banksy comes from Bristol – so don’t you forget it!

Banksy Address Book:

Thomas Street NorthBristol BS6 5TN

4. The Mild Mild West

This mural is right on the side of a building overlooking The Canteen’s beer garden, a very popular spot for both food and drink. I’d definitely recommend resting here with a cider and some delicious grub (food). If the weather’s nice, sit out in the beer garden and you’ll be able to stare at Banksy’s ‘The Mild Mild West’ for as long as you like (or at least until closing time).

Banksy Address Book:

The CanteenHamilton House80 Stokes CroftBristolBS1 3QY

And… if you want to see another Banksy mural (an almost secret one), then you can make this a 2 mile walk to pop up and see that one too – here’s what you’ll find:

Bonus: Elephant Missile

This Banksy mural is a tiny piece that packs a huge message. If you were unaware of this mural being here, you’d easily walk right by it. (In fact, for over 2 years, I did just that until making it my mission to hunt these pieces out!) Found on the side of a house, right under the St. Andrews Road sign, you’ll need to look quite closely to see that this mural depicts an elephant carrying a missile. But as one of Banksy’s earliest works, it’s a must for fans!

Banksy Walking Tour – 3 Miles – Central Bristol

This slightly longer 3 mile walk takes you through Central Bristol and around the Harbourside to see some of Banksy’s more famous Bristol murals and takes about 2 hours to complete. You’ll also finish at one of the best restaurants in this area for food, which has cuisine from a number of different regions from around the world!

Here’s your street art tour map for this 3 mile walk, with photos and descriptions found further on in this blog post:

1. Paint Pot Angel

Found inside the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, this is actually not a mural, but a statue and again, a must for Banksy fans. But don’t worry! This museum is free to explore, and alongside this Banksy masterpiece, you’ll find loads more awesome artwork!

Banksy Address Book:

Bristol Museum and Art GalleryQueens RdBristolBS8 1RL

2. Well-Hung Lover

What a name, eh? This is Banksy at his finest, playing on words to his heart’s content! And the best bit? This mural is on the side of a sexual health clinic – how’s that for strategic placement? Sadly, since the mural was painted, it’s been shot at with a paintball gun… so you’ll spot a slightly different mural from the one shown above today.

Banksy Address Book:

Frogmore StreetBristolBS1 5NA

3. Grim Reaper

This haunting piece was originally painted on the side of Thekla – a boat housing a bar and restaurant. To help protect it from wear and decay from the harbour, the piece was moved to Bristol’s M Shed and is on display for everyone to see for free there.

Banksy Address Book:

M ShedWapping WharfBristolBS1 4RN

4. Girl with a Pierced Eardrum

When I first found this mural, I had no idea it was by Banksy, and listed it as one of my top discoveries in Bristol – at the time, I just thought how clever it was! I’ve since found out that it’s a fairly recent mural from 2014.

Banksy Address Book:

Albion DockyardHanover PlaceBristolBS1 6UT

5. You Don’t Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky

Perhaps one of Banksy’s simplest works of art, yet one that conveys so much meaning – proof that Banksy is a true artist. This piece simply quotes: “You don’t need planning permission to build castles in the sky”, shaped like a smiling face.

Banksy Address Book:

99 Lower Lamb StreetBristolBS1 5QR

From here, I’d recommend having dinner at Za Za Bazaar, a very popular place with tourists and locals alike here in Bristol. They offer different cuisines from around the world including Italian, American, Asian, British and Indian and are an “all you can eat” buffet style place. They even have an island dedicated to desserts! If you want to find out more about this quirky restaurant, take a look at my Bristol food guide.

Banksy Walking Tour – 5 Miles – Stokes Croft and Easton

This is a much longer walk that includes some of the murals found on the 1.5 mile walk, but also takes you out to a couple of Bristol suburbs where you’ll find another couple of Banksy’s more famous Bristol murals. You’ll need 3-4 hours to complete this walk. And you’ll end your walk in Cabot Circus, where I’d recommend checking out the various restaurants found here – you’re sure to find something you like, even Vegan and Gluten-free!

As this is a longer walk, you’re going to need your sustenance! If you haven’t yet had lunch, I’d recommend starting at the Bearpit for some burritos on a bus (known as Bearritos). Not only is it a quirky thing to do in Bristol (eating on a double decker bus), but this place makes some of the best burritos in town!

1. The Mild Mild West

Found on the side of a building overlooking popular bar, The Canteen, is one of Banksy’s more famous Bristol murals. Plus, it’s handy being able to stop off for a drink or a bite to eat here if you want, while looking up at a Banksy masterpiece.

Banksy Address Book:

The CanteenHamilton House80 Stokes CroftBristolBS1 3QY

2. Rose on a Mousetrap

It’s said that at least 20 residents put their money together to help protect this mural from vandals with a glass and wooden frame; making this one of Bristol’s most preserved Banksy murals. It’s found on the side of someone’s home and with the frame around it, you can’t miss it!

Banksy Address Book:

Thomas Street NorthBristol BS6 5TN

3. Take The Money And Run

One of Banksy’s earlier works, ‘Take The Money And Run’ was created in collaboration with Inky and Mobz… and is still in really good condition today!

Banksy Address Book:

33 Bath BuildingsBristolBS6 5PT

4. Blowpop Records

This small mural was originally designed as a limited edition album sleeve. Although the stencil is difficult to see nowadays, you can still make it out if you look closely.

Banksy Address Book:

Cave StBristol BS2 8RU

Whilst you’re here, I’d also recommend a stop off at Cosie’s – a cute bar found in a cellar, which is just as cosy as the name suggests.

5. Graffiti Cat and Dog

Another of Banksy’s earliest works, this piece can be found alongside loads of different street art pieces, making this the perfect spot for creating a colourful Bristol photo essay, or just simply sampling the best of local art.

Banksy Address Book:

Corner of Robertson Road and Foster StreetEastonBristolBS5 6JE

6. Masked Gorilla

This final Banksy mural has an interesting story to tell. Although it’s an early Banksy masterpiece, it was accidentally painted over in 2011. Since then, it’s been restored but it’s now a pale version of the once beautifully bright original.

Banksy Address Book:

Fishponds RoadEastvilleBristolBS5 6PN

You’ll now need to make your way back to the City Centre. I’d recommend you head to Cabot Circus shopping centre, which has an upper level dedicated to restaurants and fast food places. From Italian, to American, to Asian, there are lots of food choices here so you’re sure to find something you like, including Vegan and Gluten-free friendly!

I hope this Banksy walking tour guide comes in handy when you next visit Bristol! Which walk do you think you might head on first? Feel free to jot down a few notes in the comments, or if you’ve still got questions, then let me know!

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I'm Justine (nickname: Wanderer).
Read all about my round the world adventures as I discover new places. Packed full of advice and pretty photography, with a few travel mistakes thrown in for good measure; I'm on a mission to get more of you out there travelling. Come join me!